Investments And Other Assets [Abstract]Investments And Other Assets [Abstract]Regulatory assets arising from fixed-price contracts and other derivatives - noncurrentRegulatory assets arising from fixed-price contracts and other derivatives - currentRegulatory assets arising from pension and other postretirement benefit obligationsInvestment in RBS Sempra Commodities LLPInvestment In Joint VentureGoodwill and other intangible assetsTotal Investments And Other AssetsTotal investments and other assetsDeferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Abstract]Deferred Credits And Other Liabilities [Abstract]Regulatory balancing accounts, netRegulatory liabilities arising from removal obligationsDistributions from RBS Sempra Commodities LLPDistributions From Joint VentureExpenditures for investments and acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquiredExpeditures For Investments And Acquisition Of Businesses Net Of C ash AcquiredDistributions from investmentsPurchases of nuclear decommissioning and 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Financing Costs Disclosure [Line Items]Distributable Income Of Joint VentureDistributable income of RBS Sempra Commodities (IFRS basis)Preferred dividends paid by subsidiariesPreferred dividends paid by subsidiariesEquity earnings, net of income taxIncome (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Net Of TaxPreferred Stock Dividends Of SubsidiariesPreferred dividends of subsidiariesNotes to Condensed Consolidated Financial StatementsVariable Interest Entities Disclosure [Abstract]Variable Interest Entities DisclosureDebt And Credit Facilities Text BlockDebt and Credit FacilitiesOther Financial Data Text BlockOther Financial DataRecent Investment Activity Text BlockRecent Investment ActivityDocument and Entity InformationSan Diego Gas and Electric CompanyDue from unconsolidated affiliate - Camuzzi Gas del Sur S.A.Due from unconsolidated affiliate - Camuzzi Gas de l Sur S.A.Utility SubsidiariesPacific Enterprises and SubsidiariesSouthern California Gas Company and SubsidiariesDeferred taxes recoverable in ratesDeferred Income Taxes Recoverable In RatesDeferred taxes refundable in ratesChanges in other liabilitiesIncrease (Decrease) In Noncurrent LiabilitiesIncrease (Decrease) In Noncurrent AssetsChanges in other assetsUtility cost of electric fuel and purchased powerUtilities Cost Of Electric Fuel And Purchased PowerRegulated Cost Of Natural GasCost of natural gasLitigation ExpenseLitigation expenseProceeds from sale of assets from continuing operations, net of cash soldProceeds From Sale Of Assets And Businesses Net Of Cash Sold Noncontrolling Interests In Acquired BusinessesNoncontrolling interests in acquired businessIssuances of debt (maturities greater than 90 days)Proceeds From Issuance Of DebtPayments On DebtPayments on debt (maturities greater than 90 days)Variable Interest Entities Consolidated Carrying Amount Net Property Plant And EquipmentProperty, plant and equipment related to VIEVariable Interest Entities Consolidated Carrying Amount Long Term DebtLong-term debt related to VIEContingently Redeemable Preferred Stock Of SubsidiaryContingently redeemable preferred stock of subsidiaryInvestments In Unconsolidated Entities (Tables) [Abstract]Schedule Of Summarized Financial Information Of Joint Venture Text BlockSummarized Financial Information of RBS Sempra Commodities TableOther Financial Data (Tables) [Abstract]Schedule Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Text BlockNet Periodic Benefit Cost TableSchedule Of Contributions To Benefit Plans Text BlockContributions to Benefit Plans TableSchedule Of Earnings Per Share Text BlockEarnings Per Share Computations TableSchedule Of Capitalized Financing Costs Text BlockCapitalized Financing Costs TableSchedule Of Comprehensive Income Text BlockComprehensive Income TableSchedule Of Tax Expense Benefit On Comprehensive Income Text BlockIncome Tax Expense (Benefit) Associated with Other Comprehensive Income TableSchedule Of Shareholders Equity And Noncontrolling Interests Text BlockShareholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests TableSchedule Of Due To From Affiliates Text BlockAmounts Due To and From Affiliates at SDG&E, PE and SoCalGas Table Schedule Of Revenues From Affiliates Text BlockRevenues From Unconsolidated Affiliates at the Sempra Utilities TableSchedule Of Transactions With Joint Venture Text BlockAmounts Recorded For Transactions with RBS Sempra Commodities TableSchedule Of Other Income Expense Text BlockOther Income and Expense TableSchedule Of Income Tax Expense And Effective Income Tax Rate Text BlockIncome Tax Expense and Effective Income Tax Rates TableDerivative Financial Instruments (Tables) [Abstract]Schedule Of Commodity Derivative Volumes Text BlockCommodity Derivative Volumes TableSchedule Of Notional Amounts Of Interest Rate Derivatives Text BlockNotional Amounts of Interest Rate Derivatives TableSchedule Of Cash Flow Hedge Impact On Statements Of Operations Text BlockCash Flow Hedge Impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations TableSchedule Of Undesignated Derivative Instruments Impact On Statements Of Operations Text BlockUndesignated Derivative Impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations TableFair Value Measurements (Tables) [Abstract]Schedule Of Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Text BlockFair Value of Financial Instruments TableSchedule Of Available For Sale Securities Text BlockNuclear Decommissioning Trusts TableSchedule Of Sales Of Available For Sale Securities Text BlockSales of Securities TableSchedule Of Cash Collateral Not Offset With Derivative Instruments Text BlockFair Value of Cash Collateral Receivables Not O ffset on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets TableSchedule Of Recurring Fair Value Assets Liabilities Text BlockRecurring Fair Value Measures TableSchedule Of Recurring Fair Value Assets Liabilities Unobservable Input Reconciliation Text BlockRecurring Fair Value Measures Level 3 Rollforward TableSegment Information (Tables) [Abstract]Investments In Unconsolidated Entities (Details) [Abstract]Guarantee Fair Value At OriginFair value of indemnity of certain litigation and tax liabilities related to businesses purchased by RBS Sempra Commodities< /label>Historical Percentage Earnings From North American Power And Natural Gas Trading And Retail Energy Solutions Businesses MinimumHistorical percentage of earnings from North American power and natural gas trading and retail energy solutions businesses, minimumHistorical Percentage Earnings From North American Power And Natural Gas Trading And Retail Energy Solutions Businesses MaximumHistorical percentage of earnings from North American power and natural gas trading and retail energy solutions businesses, maximumHistorical Percentage Earnings From North American Power And Natural Gas Trading And Retail Energy Solutions Businesses AverageHistorical percentage of earnings from North American power and natural gas trading and retail energy solutions businesses, averagePurchase Price Sale Of Businesses By Joint 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Facilities Disclosure [Abstract]Committed Lines of Credit by Borrower Name [Domain]Committed Lines of Credit - Sempra Energy ConsolidatedCommitted Lines of Credit - Sempra EnergyCommitted Lines of Credit - Sempra GlobalCommitted Lines of Credit - Sempra Utilities CombinedCommitted Lines of Credit - SDG&ECommitted Lines of Credit - SoCalGasLine Of Credit Facility Letter Of Credit CapacityCommitted lines of credit, capacity for issu ance of letters of creditLine Of Credit Facility Letters Of Credit OutstandingCommitted lines of credit, letters of credit outstandingLine Of Credit Facility Other Supported InstrumentsOther instruments supported by committed lines of creditGuarantees [Abstract]Guarantees [Abstract]Guarantor Obl igations Liabilities Of Joint VentureNet trading liabilities of RBS Sempra Commodities supported by Sempra Energy's guaranteesEquity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Of Minority PartnerOwnership percentage of minority partner in equity method investeeEquity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Of Operating PartnerOwnership percentage of operating partner in equity method investeeGuarantor Obligations Equity Method Investment Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing CapacityRevolving credit facility at Rockies Express, maximum borrowing capacityGuarantor Obligations Equity Method Investment Long Term Debt OutstandingLong-term debt outstanding at Rockies ExpressDerivative Financial Instruments Disclosure [Abstract]Derivative Financial Instruments DisclosureSchedule Of Commodity Derivative Volumes [Line Items]Schedule Of Commodity Derivative Volumes [Table]Commodity Derivative Volumes Natural GasCommodity derivative volumes, natural gas (in millions of million British thermal units)Commodity Derivative Volumes Congestion Revenue RightsCommodity derivative volumes, congestion revenue rights (in millions of megawatt hours)Commodity Derivative Volumes Electric PowerCommodity derivative volumes, electric power (in millions of megawatt hours)Schedule Of Notional Amounts Of Interest Rate Derivatives [Line Items]Schedule Of Notional Amounts Of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table]Interest Rate Derivatives Notional Amount MinimumNotional amount of interest rate derivatives, minimumInterest Rate Derivatives Notional Amount MaximumNotional amount of interest rate derivatives, maximumInterest Rate Derivatives Notional AmountNotional amount of interest rate derivativesInterest Rate Derivatives Maturities MinimumMaturities of interest rate derivatives, minimumInterest Rate Derivatives Maturities MaximumMaturities of interest rate derivatives, maximumInterest Rate Derivatives MaturitiesMaturities of interest rate derivativesCurrent assets: Fixed-price contracts and other assetsInvestments and other assets: SundryCurrent liabilities: Fixed-price contracts and other derivativesDeferred credits and other liabilities: Fixed-price contracts and other derivativesDerivative Interest Rate Instruments DesignatedInterest rate instruments designated as hedging instrumentsDerivative Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery DesignatedDerivative commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery designated as hedging instrumentsDerivative Interest Rate Instruments NondesignatedInterest rate interest rate instruments not designated as hedging instrumentsDerivative Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate Recovery Nonesignated Derivative commodity contracts subject to rate recovery not designated as hedging instrumentsDerivative Offsetting Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate Recovery NonesignatedAssociated offsetting commodity contracts subject to rate recoveryDerivative Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery NondesignatedCommodity contracts not subject to rate recovery not designated as hedging instrumentsDerivative Offsetting Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate Recovery Nondesig natedAssociated offsetting commodity contracts not subject to rate recoveryEquity Earnings: RBS Sempra Commodities LLPRevenues: Sempra Global and ParentCost of Natural Gas, Electric Fuel and Purchased PowerCost of Electric Fuel and Purchased PowerCost of Natural GasReclassification Of Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) [Table]Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Abstract]Fair Value Measurements DisclosureDue To Unconsolidated Affiliate Fair Value DisclosureFair value of financial instruments, Due to unconsolidated affiliatePreferred Stock Of Subsidiaries Fair Value DisclosureFair value of financial instruments, Preferred stock of subsidiariesContingently Redeemable Preferred Stock Fair Value DisclosureFair value of financial instruments, Contingently redeemable preferred stockPreferred Stock Fair Value DisclosureFair value of financial instruments, Preferred stockGross Unrealized Gains On Available For Sale SecuritiesGross unrealized gainsGross Unrealized Losses On Available For Sale SecuritiesGross unrealized lossesNuclear Decommissioning Tru sts Disclosure [Abstract]Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Disclosure [Abstract]Derivative Postions Net of Cash Collateral [Table]Collateral NettedFair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Equity SecuritiesNuclear decommissioning trusts - equity securitiesFair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts U S Debt SecuritiesNuclear decommissioning trusts - Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agenciesFair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts TotalTotal nuclear decommissioning trustsFair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate RecoveryCommodity contracts subject to rate recovery, assetsFair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate RecoveryCommodity contracts not subject to rate recovery, assetsFair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Total Assets At Fair ValueTotal fair value of assets measured on a recurring basisFair Value Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis Interest Rate InstrumentsInterest rate instruments, liabilitiesFair Value Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate RecoveryCommodity contracts subject to rate recovery, liabilitiesFair Value Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate RecoveryCommodity contracts not subject to rate re covery, liabilitiesFair Value Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis Total Liabilities At Fair ValueTotal fair value of liabilities measured on a recurring basisFair Value Measurement Wit h Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset PurchasesPurchasesFair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset IssuancesIssuancesFair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset SettlementsSettlementsFair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Change In Unrealized Gain Loss Included In Cost Of Electric Fuel And Purchased PowerChange in unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at June 30Segment Information Disclosure [Abstract]Segment Information Disclosure [Abstract]Segment Reporting Information Percentage Of RevenuesSegment reporting information, Percentage of Total Consolidated RevenuesSegment Reporting Information Percentage Of Depreciation And AmortizationSegment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Depreciation and AmortizationSegment Reporting Information Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Net Of Income TaxSegment reporting information, Equity Earnings (Losses) Recorded Net of TaxSegment Reporting Information Percentage Of Expenditures For Property Plant And EquipmentSegment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Expenditures for Property, Plant & EquipmentSegment Reporting Information Percentage Of AssetsSegment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated AssetsWrite Off Of Long Lived AssetsWrite-off of long-lived assetsWrite-off of long-lived assetsSchedule Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]Schedule Of Earnings Per Share [Table]Earnings Per Share Denominator [Abstract]Earnings Per Share Denominator [Abstract]Cash Assumed In Connection With Initial Consolidation Of Variable Interest EntityCash assumed in connection with initial consolidation of variable interest entityIntersegment RevenuesSegment Reporting Information Percentage Of Earnings LossesSegment reporting information, Percentage of Consolidated Earnings (Losses)Commodity Contracts Subject To Rate RecoveryFair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Interest Rate InstrumentsInterest rate instruments, assetsFair Value Assets Measured On A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Municipal Debt SecuritiesNuclear decomissioning trusts - Municipal debt securitiesFair Value Assets MeasuredOn A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Other Debt SecuritiesNuclear decommissioning trusts - Other debt securitiesFair Value Assets MeasuredOn A Recurring Basis Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts Total Debt SecuritiesNuclear decommissioning trusts - Total debt securitiesBusiness Acquisition Cash Consideration AccruedAdditional consideration accruedInvestment In Joint Venture Disclosure [Abstract]Investme nt In Joint Venture Disclosure [Abstract]Proceeds From Sale Of Businesses By Joint Venture Retained By Joint VentureProceeds from sale of businesses by RBS Sempra Commodities retained by partnershipRockies ExpressSodigas PampeanaSodigas SurWrite-off of Long-lived Assets [Table]General (Details) [Abstract]Presentation Of Restricted Cash [Line Items]Presentation Of Restricted Cash [Table]Recent Investment Activity (Details) [Abstract]Business Acquisition Cash Paid Net Of Cash AcquiredBusiness acquisition, Cash paid, net of cash acquiredBusiness Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Equity Method InvestmentInvestment in equity method investeeRecent Investment Activity (Tables) [Abstract]Less Than Wholly-owned Subsidiaries, by Subsidiary Name [Axis]Less Than Wholly-owned Subsidiaries, By Subsidiary Name [Domain]Mississippi HubLiberty Gas StorageAvailable-for-sale Securities [Table]Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]Write-off Of Long-lived Assets Disclosure [Abstract]Write-off Of Long-lived Assets [Line Items]Write Off Of Long Lived Assets Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling InterestWrite-off of long-lived assets, portion attributable to noncontrolling interestWrite Off Of Long Lived Assets Portion Attributable To Parent Net Of TaxWrite-off of long-lived assets, portion attributable to Sempra Energy, net of taxIndustrial Development Bonds Interest Rate Stated PercentageIndustrial Development Bonds, Interest Rate, Stated PercentageJoint Venture Maximum Length Of Time Hedged In Cash Flow HedgeMaximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge at RBS Sempra CommoditiesInvestment In Bonds Related Party Historical CostInvestment in bonds of affiliate, historical costWrite Off Of Long Lived Assets Net Of TaxWrite-off of long-lived assets, net of taxIncrease Decrease Tax Expense Related To Foreign CurrencyIncrease (decrease) in tax expense due to Mexican currency translation and inflation adjustmentsDerivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Table]Regulatory Matters Disclosure (Details) [Abstract]Commitments And Contingencies (Tables) [Abstract]Schedule Of Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due [Text Block]Schedule Of Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments DueSchedule Of Utility Projects [Line Items]Schedule Of Utility Projects [Table]Estimated Project Cost, MaximumEstimated Project Cost, MinimumEstimated Capital InvestmentEnvironmental Mitigation Costs Included In Estimated Project CostProject To Date ExpendituresInvestment As Percentage Of Total Estimated Project CostUtility Projects, By Project Name [Axis]Utility Projects, By Project Name [Domain]Sunrise PowerlinkSolar Photovoltaic ProgramEast County SubstationAdvanced Metering InfrastructureWind Farm ProjectSchedule Of Regulatory Amounts [Line Items]Schedule Of Regulatory Amounts [Table]Renewable Portfolio Standards Noncompliance, Maximum Annual PenaltyGeneral Rate Case, Annual Revenue Requirement IncreaseGeneral Rate Case, Percentage Annual Revenue Requirement IncreaseRecognized Gas Cost Incentive Mechanism AwardUnrecorded Gas Cost Incentive Mechanism AwardContingent Recovery Of Facilities Costs Related To CatastropheContingent Recovery Of Insurance Costs Related To CatastropheIncremental Facilities Costs Incurred Related To CatastropheIncremental Insurance Costs Incurred Related To CatastropheRegulatory Recovery, Deductible Per EventCommitments And Contingencies (Details) [Abstract]Loss Contingency Accrual, Settled Matters, At Carrying ValueClaims Payments By Insurers To All ClaimantsPercentage Of Claims PaymentsPercentage of Total Claims to be Paid by CompanyTotal Individual And Business ClaimsTotal Government Entity ClaimsLiability Insurance Coverage, MaximumLoss Contingency, Damages Sought, AmountEnergy Crisis LitigationDWR ContractFERC Refund Proceedings FERC Manipulation InvestigationLoss From Loss Contingencies [Line Items]Loss From Loss Contingencies [Table]Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, AmountRegulatory Asset, Recovery Of Costs From CatastropheSchedule Of Nuclear Insurance [Line Items]Schedule Of Nuclear Insurance Amounts [Table]Nuclear Liability Insurance Coverage, MaximumSecondary Financial Protection, MaximumSecondary Financial Protection, Company Contribution, MaximumSecondary Financial Protection, Company Contribution, Annual MaximumNuclear Property Insurance Coverage, MaximumNuclear Property Damage Insurance Coverage, MaximumNuclear Property Damage Insurance Coverage, Weekly MinimumNuclear Property Damage Insurance Coverage, Weekly MaximumNuclear Property Damage Insurance, Premium AssessmentNuclear Property Insurance Terrorism Coverage, MaximumPurchased Power ContractsNuclear F uel FabricationSunrise Powerlink ConstructionNatural Gas Infrastructure ConstructionNatural Gas ContractsPayments Under Contractual Commitments [Line Items]Payments Under Contractual Commitments [Table]Contractual Commitments, Payments Due, CurrentContractual Commitments, Payments Due In Two YearsContractual Commitments, Payments Due In Three YearsContractual Commitments, Payments Due In Four YearsContractual Commitments, Payments Due In Five YearsContractual Commitments, Payments Due ThereafterIncrease (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Pay ments Due, CurrentIncrease (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Payments Due In Two YearsIncrease (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Payments Due In Three YearsIncrease (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Payments Due In Four YearsIncrease (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Payments Due In Five YearsIncrease (Decrease) In Liquefied Natural Gas Commitments, Payments Due ThereafterIncrease (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Effect Of Forward PricesIncrease In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, New ContractsIncrease (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Payments Due, CurrentIncrease (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Payments Due In Two YearsIncrease (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Payments Due In Three YearsIncrease (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Payments Due In Four YearsIncrease (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Paymen ts Due In Five YearsIncrease (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts Commitments, Payments Due ThereafterIncrease (Decrease) In Natural Gas Contracts CommitmentsAmendment FlagCurrent Fiscal Year End DateDocument Period End DateSempra EnergyEntity Well Known Seasoned IssuerEntity Voluntary FilersEntity Current Reporting StatusEntity Filer CategoryEntity Public FloatEntity Registrant NameEntity Central Index KeyEntity Common Shares OutstandingDocument Fiscal Year FocusDocument Fiscal Period FocusLegal Entity [Axis]Document TypeOther accounts and notes receivableTrade accounts receivableAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss)Less accumulated depreciation and amortizationLess accumulated depreciation and amortizationCash paid, net of cash acquiredCash paid, net of cash acquiredExpenditures for property, plant and equipmentExpenditures for property, plant and equipmentCash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve MonthsCash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve MonthsDue from unconsolidated affiliatesDue from unconsolidated affiliateDue to unconsolidated affiliateRestricted Stock UnitsRestricted StockIn The Money Stock OptionsAsset retirement obligationsCONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSGross realized gainsAvailable-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized GainsGross realized lossesAvailable-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized LossesProceeds from salesAvailable-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale ProceedsBasic earnings per common shareBasic earnings per common 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Payments, Interest Included in PaymentsCapital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments, TotalCapital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments, TotalCash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents, end of periodCash and cash equivalents, beginning of periodInterest payments, net of amounts capitalized< loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://taxonomies.xbrl.us/us-gaap/2009/elts/us-gaap-2009-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" xlink:label="element591" />Net change in other working capital componentsNet change in other worki ng capital componentsNet change in other working capital componentsNet change in other working capital componentsPayments on notes payable to unconsolidated affiliateOutstanding commercial paper supported by committed lines of creditCommercial PaperCommitments and ContingenciesCommon Stock Shares AuthorizedCommon stock, shares authorizedCommon Stock Shares OutstandingCommon stock, 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investmentsLiabilities assumedLiabilities assumedLiabilities and equityTotal liabilities and equityLIABILITIES AND EQUITYFranchise fees and other taxesFranchise fees and other taxesCommitted lines of credit, outstanding borrowingsLine of Credit Facility, Amount OutstandingCommitted lines of credit, maximum borrowing capacityLine of Credit Facility, Ma ximum Borrowing CapacityCommitted lines of credit, remaining borrowing capacityLine of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing CapacityWriteOffOfLongLivedAssetsPortionAttributableToParentNetOfTaxLine of Credit Facility [Abstract]Line of Credit Facility [Axis]Line of Credit Facility [Axis]Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]Line of Credit Facility [Table]Line of Credit Facility [Table]Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis]Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis]Lo ss Contingencies [Line Items]Loss Contingencies [Line Items]Loss Contingencies [Table]Loss Contingencies [Table]Loss 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activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activitiesCASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIESNet cash used in investing activitiesNet cash used in investing activitiesCASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIESNet cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activitiesCASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIESEarningsEarningsEarnings attributable to common sharesEarnings attributable to common sharesIncrease (decrease) in cash and cash equivalentsIncrease (decrease) in cash and cash equivalentsNew Accounting StandardsOther income (expense), netUtility operating incomeUtility operating incomeGeneralAvailable-for-sale securitiesFinancial instrumentsComprehensive income, net of income taxPrior service costPrior service cost, income tax expense (benefit)Prior service cost, income tax expense (benefit)Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]Other current assetsTotal deriva tives not designated as hedging instrumentsTotal derivatives not designated as hedging 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SettlementsContributions to pension plansPension BenefitsAmortization of actuarial lossAm ortization of actuarial lossAmortization of prior service costNet Periodic Benefit CostExpected contributions to pension and other po stretirement benefit plansExpected return on assetsExpected return on assetsInterest cost Net periodic benefit costTotal net periodic benefit costService costDefined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans [Axis]Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Table]Preferred Stock Shares AuthorizedPreferred stock, shares authorizedPreferred Stock Shares IssuedPrefer red stock, shares issuedPreferred dividend requirementsPreferred dividend requirementsIssuances of common stockCapital contributions received by variable interest entitiesIssuances of long-term debtProceeds from sales by nuclear decommissioning trustsProceeds from sale of assetsProceeds from sale of short-term investmentsProperty, plant and equipmentProperty, plant and equipment, netProperty, plant and equipment, netAFUDC related to debtSempra Utilities' Regulatory MattersContributions to equity method investeesPurchase of noncontrolling interestPurchase of noncontrolling interestPurchase of bonds issued by unconsolidated affiliatePurchase of bonds issued by unconsolidated affiliateExpenditures for short-term investmentsExpenditures for short-term investmentsReclassification of Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) [Abstract]Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) [Abstract]Sempra UtilitiesTotal revenuesTotal revenuesRegulatory assetsOther regulatory assetsOther regulatory liabilitiesTotal Transactions With Affiliates< /labelLink>Total Transactions With AffiliatesDue from affiliate, currentDue from affiliate, noncurrentInterest rate on due from affiliate, noncurrentTransactions With Affiliates Disclosure [Line Items]Schedule Of Transactions With Affiliates [Table]Payments on long-term debtPayments on long-term debtTotal Sempra Energy ConsolidatedTotal Sempra Energy ConsolidatedRepurchases of common stockPayments For Repurchase Of Common StockCapital distributions made by variable interest entitiesCapital distributions made by variable interest entitiesRedemptions of preferred stoc kRedemptions of preferred stockRestricted cashRetained earningsSchedule of Business Acquisition TableSchedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Text Block]Subsequent EventsSegment InformationSegme nt Information TableSegment reporting information, AssetsSegment Reporting Information, AssetsSegment reporting information, Depreciation and AmortizationSegment Reporting Information, Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization ExpenseSegment reporting information, Equity Earnings (Losses) Recorded Before TaxSegment Reporting Information, Equity in Net Income of Equity Method Investees of SegmentSegment reporting information, Expenditures for Property, Plant & EquipmentSegment Reporting Information, Expenditures for Additions to Long-Lived AssetsSegment reporting information, Income Tax Expense (Benefit)Segment Reporting Information, Income Tax Expense (Benefit)Segment reporting information, Interest ExpenseSegment Reporting Information, Interest ExpenseSegment reporting information, Investment in Equity Method InvesteesSegment Reporting Information, Investment in Equity Method InvesteesSegment reporting information, RevenuesSegment Reporting Information, RevenueSegment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis]Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis]Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]Segment reporting information, Earnings (Losses)Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss)Restricted stock units grantedNon-qualified stock options grantedWeighted average interest rate on total short-term debt outstandingShort-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest RateShort-term debtShort-term investmentsCONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWSShareholders' equity:SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATIONCurrent assetsTotal current assetsCurrent assets:US States and Political S ubdivisions Debt Securities [Member]Municipal BondsUS Treasury and Government [Member]Debt Securities Issued By The U.S. Treasury And Other U.S. Government Corporations And AgenciesSummarized financial information for RBS Sempra Commodities - Gross profitSummarized financial information for RBS Sempra Commodities - Income (loss) from continuing operationsSummarized financial information for RBS Sempra Commodities - Partnership net income (loss)Summarized financial information for RBS Sempra Commodities - Gross revenues and fee incomeSempra Global and parentTotal utility operating expensesTotal utility operating expensesUtility depreciation and amortizationUtility cost of natural gasUtility operation and maintenanceUtility gains on sale of assetsUtility franchise fees and other taxesDiluted earnings per common share, weighted-average number of shares outstanding (thousands)Weighted-average common shares outstanding for diluted EPSBasic earnings per common share, weighted-average number of shares outstanding (thousands)Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic EPSRestricted cash, noncurrentRestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, NoncurrentDue to/from Sempra EnergyDue to/from Sempra EnergyInvestment in bonds of unconsolidated affiliate - Chilquinta Energia S.A.Property, plant and equipment:Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table]Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table]Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain]Total Available-for-sale SecuritiesCostAvailable-for-sale Securities, Amortized CostFair value of securities in an unrealized loss positionAvailable-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair ValueGross unrealized losses on securities in an unrealized loss positionAvailable-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate LossesOther Debt Securities [Member]Other Debt SecuritiesTotal assetsTotal assetsInterest incomeSummarized Financial Information for RBS Sempra CommoditiesOther current liabilitiesDeferred credits and otherDividends declared per share of common stockSegment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table]Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis]Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis]Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain]Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain]Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]Carrying AmountEstimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]Fair ValueFair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]Statement [Table]Total Antidilutive SecuritiesFair value of financial instruments, Investments in affordable housing partnershipsInvestments, Fair Value DisclosureFair value of financial instruments, Total long-term debtNotes Payable, Fair Value DisclosureEquity earningsEquity earningsASSETSStatement [Line Items]Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table]Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table]Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis]Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis]Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain]Total Fair Value of Assets Measured on a Recurring BasisFair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]InvestmentsFair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, InvestmentsFair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table]Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table]Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis]Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis]Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain]Total Fair Value of Liabilities Measured on a Recurring BasisFair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]Balance at beginning of periodFair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset ValueBalance at end of periodRealized and unrealized lossesFair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in EarningsFair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inp ut Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]Level 1Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]Level 2Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]Level 3Increase in capital lease obligations for investments in proper ty, plant and equipmentFair Value MeasurementsContingently redeemable preferred stockREVENUESUtility operating expensesNet actuarial gainNet actuarial gain, income tax expense (benefit)Net actuarial gain, income tax expense (benefit)Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table]Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table]Long-term Purchase Commitment by Category of Item Purchased [Axis]Long-term Purchase Commitment by Category of Item Purchased [Axis]Long-term Purc hase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain]Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain]Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment, AmountLong-term Purchase Commitment, AmountCash and Cash Equivalents [Member]Cash And Cash EquivalentsOther Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total [Abstract]Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]Derivative Instruments in Hedges, at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]Allowance for equity funds used during constructionAllowance for equity funds used during constructionOther operation and maintenanceOther operation and maintenanceSundryTotal other as setsBasic earnings per common share:Diluted earnings per common share:Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Abstract]Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per shareAntidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share by Antidilutive Securities [Axis]Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]Earnings Per Share [Abstract]Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]Significant Accounting PoliciesSchedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]Income before income taxes and equity earnings of certain unconsolidated subsidiariesIncome before income taxes and equity earnings of certain uncons olidated subsidiariesSchedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis]Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis]Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis]Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis]Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]Sempra Energy ConsolidatedDeferred income taxes and investment tax creditsCapital Lease ObligationsCapital Lease ObligationsForeign currency translation adjustmentsFinancial instruments, income tax expense (benefit)Available-for-sale securities, income tax expense (benefit)Total shareholders' equityTotal shareholders' equityIncome tax expenseIncome tax expenseSegment reporting information, Interest IncomeSegment Reporting Information, Interest IncomePension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract]AFUDC related to equityAFUDC related to equiityOther capitalized financing costsPreferred stockSegment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]Purchase of noncontrolling interest in subsidiaryPurchase of noncontrolling interest in subsidiaryStatement Equity Component [Axis]Total EquityIncrease (decrease) in short-term debt, netCommon Stock No Par ValueCommon stock, no par valueRevenues from unconsolidated affiliatesIssuance of common stockCommon stock released from ESOPDeferred investment tax creditsUtility operating revenuesNatural gasOperating revenuesTotal utility operating revenuesRepurchases of common stockRepurchases of common stockSUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH ACTIVITIESCommon stock dividends declaredCommon stock dividends declaredPreferred stock dividends declaredPreferred stock dividends declaredTax benefit related to share-based compensationAcquisition-related costs (included in Other Operation and Maintenance expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Cost ExpensedRevenue of acquiree since acquisition dateBusiness Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, ActualEarnings of acquiree since acquisition dateBusiness Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, ActualReserve for wildfire litigation (Note 10)Net incomeNet incomeLosses (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interestsLosses (earnings) attributable to noncontrolling interestsCash consideration (fair value of total consideration)Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash PaidIncome taxes payableInsurance receivable related to wildfire litigation (Note 10)Derivative, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset Against Collateral, Net [Abstract]Derivative, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset Against Collateral, Net [Abstract]Fair value of cash collateral receivables not offset against derivativesDerivative, Fair Value, Gross Amount Not Offset Against Collateral, NetComprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)Equity:Total equityTotal equity Equity, beginning of periodEquity, end of periodHedging Relationship [Domain]Hedging Relationship [Domain]Noncontrolling InterestsTotal Shareholders' EquityCommitments and contingencies (Note 10)Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Other adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activitiesEquity of variable interest entityAccounts payable - otherAccounts payable - tradeDue to unconsolidated affiliatesDue to affiliate, currentAccrued compensation and benefitsDividends and interest payablePension and other postretirement benefit obligations, net of plan assetsShare-based compensation expenseEarnings Per Share Numerator [Abstract]Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis]Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis]Balance Sheet LocationBalance Sheet LocationDerivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]Interest Rate Contract [Member]Interest Rate InstrumentsCommodity Contract [Member]Commodity Contracts Not Subject To Rate RecoveryInterest Expense [Member]Interest ExpenseOther Income [Member]Other Income, NetFair Value Hedging [Member]Fair Value HedgesCash Flow Hedging [Member]Cash Flow HedgesNondesignated [Member]Undesignated Derivative sOther Comprehensive Income [Member]Other Comprehensive IncomeIncome Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain]Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain]Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract]Derivative, Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Abstract]Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair ValueDerivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair ValueAdditional Collateral, Aggregate Fair ValueAdditional Collateral Aggregate Fair ValueFair Value Hedge Impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations TableDerivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis]Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis]Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis]Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis]Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis]Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis]Schedule Of Derivative Financial Instruments Impact On Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Table]Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table]Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings (effective portion)Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Reclassified From Accumulated OCI Into Income Effective Portion NetAmount of pretax gain (loss) on derivative recognized in OCI (effective portion)Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Effective Portion NetGain (loss) on derivative recognized in earningsDerivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Income Net Derivative Contract Type [Domain]Derivative Contract Type [Domain]Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets TableFair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]